By implementing JOB-U, the partnership aimed to improve the labor market inclusion of young people with mental-health challenges by addressing both individual and systemic barriers to employment. The project sought to empower young people with skills, confidence, and tools for job integration, while strengthening the capacity of professionals, employers, and services to support them effectively. Practically, the project aimed to: • Raise awareness among employers and professionals about mental health and inclusion in employment, • Develop and pilot training tools and guidance materials for inclusive recruitment and workplace support, • Actively involve young people in workshops to express their needs and experiences. At a broader level, JOB-U aimed to improve coordination between mental-health support and employment systems by: • Gathering evidence through focus groups and Delphi panels, • Formulating national and transnational policy recommendations, • Promoting cross-sectoral dialogue between mental-health services, employers, and policymakers.”
The common need identified across Greece Cyprus and Spain was the persistent exclusion of young people with mental-health challenges from the labor market, combined with the lack of structured support for employers, professionals, and services to address this challenge in a coherent and effective way. In all partner countries, young people with mental-health difficulties faced significant barriers to employment, including stigma and insufficient career guidance. All partner organizations were already working with vulnerable young people experiencing psychosocial difficulties and social exclusion but identified a clear gap in employment-focused methodologies that combine mental-health support with concrete job-integration pathways and employer engagement. The project also aimed to improve how mental health services and youth employment policies work together across Europe. These needs were confirmed throughout implementation via awareness-raising events, workshops with young people and professionals, focus groups, and Delphi panels. The findings confirmed persistent stigma, limited employer readiness, and the lack of structured training and practical guidance for supporting young people with mental-health challenges in employment.